Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday, took delivery of 30 Toyota Pick-up Vans supplied by motor dealers based in the state to strengthen the operations of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed “Amotekun Corps” to checkmate unscrupulous elements trying to make the state unsafe.
Oyebanji said the fact that the vehicles were supplied by members of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria(AMDON), Ekiti chapter, under the leadership of its chairman, Bankole Adeniyi, further attested to how committed his administration was to fully comply with the Ekiti State Local Contents Law enacted to strategically shore up patronage for local contractors.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, while taking the delivery of the vehicles in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, promised to put security measures in full throttle to tackle those who are trying to cause investment flight in Ekiti by stoking the fire of insecurity.
The governor, who revealed that the vehicles will be deployed to strengthen the Amotekun Corps to curb kidnapping, banditry and other criminal elements, frowned at the recent killing of two prominent traditional rulers and abduction of pupils and teachers by suspected gunmen in the state.
“Part of our efforts to combat insecurity is the purchase of these vehicles which will be deployed for the use of the Amotekun Corps. Other working tools will still be provided for the corps as well as the provision of logistics for the formal security agencies.
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“I enjoin our people to assist our law enforcement agencies with useful information that can lead to the arrest of criminals or stemming their activities.
“Expectedly, the Amotekun Corps who will use these vehicles are urged to redouble their efforts at ensuring security of lives and property. You shouldn’t see yourselves as rivals to formal security agencies, instead, complement them for maintenance of law and order in our dear state,” he said.
Oyebanji promised that his administration will continually encourage local contractors and businessmen to thrive and develop, saying, “This is not the first or second time that Ekiti motor dealers have been patronised. Jobs that can be properly handled by local contractors won’t be contracted out to outsiders.
According to him, “Our local contractors and businessmen should, therefore, take this opportunity offered by the state government. Nevertheless, as much as we are ready to patronise you, the government won’t take shoddy or poorly executed jobs.”
Applauding the governor for developing the state’s human resources, AMDON National President, Prince Ajibola Adedoyin and Chairman, Ekiti chapter, Alhaji Ibrahim Adeniyi described Oyebanji as a promise keeper, for complying with the Local Contents Bill he assented to upon assumption of office to ensure increased patronage for local businessmen.
They promised to partner with the government to make the relationship symbiotic and mutually beneficial, by ensuring that every contract awarded to members is done in compliance with specifications to sustain the spirit being demonstrated by the governor.
The businessmen appealed to Governor Oyebanji to donate a parcel of land to AMDON, for the construction of modern Automat to boost motor dealing business in Ekiti.
Adeniyi said, “This is the first Governor in Ekiti that will be attending to our needs and patronising us this way. Governor Oyebanji has given our members the deserved recognition. We are assuring him, that all the vehicles we are going to supply will be of good quality.
“We are all aware of the state of the economy globally, our country is not an exception. Despite the economic quagmire, the Government of Ekiti State has put so many initiatives and policies together to ensure that the people of our State are all well-secured, protected, taking care of. Your Excellency, Ekiti is grateful to you Sir.
In fulfilment of the promises of the Governor to ensure a safe place for the people of Ekiti has approved the supply of 30 Toyota Tacoma Jeeps for Security personnel in the State. We say, this is unprecedented and we thank the almighty God for the gift of Mr. Governor for us in Ekiti at this time.
“Your Excellency, Ekiti State Motor Dealer Association is grateful to you for your patronage. We will never forget your love for our Association. We will shout your good deeds to the World and we promise to continue to support your administration.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE